Liza Todd: Elizabeth Taylor’s Daughter, Age and Career

Liza Todd is an American sculptor and artist best known as the daughter of legendary Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor and film producer Mike Todd. Born Elizabeth Frances Todd on August 6, 1957, in New York City, Liza grew up surrounded by Hollywood fame, international travel, and artistic influences. However, rather than following her parents into the movie industry, she developed an independent career creating bronze sculptures, especially realistic representations of horses and other animals.

Liza was only seven months old when her father, Mike Todd, died in a plane crash in March 1958. Her mother later married actor Richard Burton, who adopted Liza and became an important father figure in her childhood.

Despite growing up in one of Hollywood’s most famous families, Liza preferred art to acting. She studied in London and Los Angeles before establishing herself as a professional sculptor in 1979.

Her work includes bronze sculptures of famous racehorses, animal memorials, and wildlife conservation projects. She has also created artwork to benefit elephant conservation in Africa.

Liza married artist Hap Tivey in 1984, and they had two sons, Quinn and Rhys Tivey, before divorcing in 2003.

As of October 2026, Liza Todd is 69 years old and remains recognized for her artistic achievements and connection to Elizabeth Taylor’s remarkable family.

Quick Bio: Liza Todd

Who Is Liza Todd?

Liza Todd is the daughter of two important figures in American entertainment history.

Her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses.

Her father, Mike Todd, was a successful film producer known for the Academy Award-winning movie Around the World in 80 Days.

Liza was born during a particularly significant period of their lives.

Her parents had married earlier in 1957, and her father was enjoying major professional success.

However, tragedy struck the family when Mike Todd died in a plane crash less than a year after Liza’s birth.

Her childhood continued under the care of Elizabeth Taylor, whose career and personal relationships attracted enormous attention.

Unlike her famous mother, Liza did not pursue mainstream acting.

She became a sculptor specializing in animals, especially horses.

Her artwork has appeared in galleries, private collections, and public locations in the United States and Europe.

Her career demonstrates that she established an identity based on artistic achievement rather than celebrity recognition.

Liza Todd’s Early Life

Liza Todd was born on August 6, 1957, in New York City.

Her full birth name is Elizabeth Frances Todd.

Her mother was already an internationally famous actress, while her father was a successful film producer.

Growing Up in a Famous Family

Liza entered a family that regularly appeared in newspapers, magazines, and entertainment coverage.

Elizabeth Taylor’s personal life attracted enormous attention.

Her marriages, films, and public appearances were frequent subjects of discussion.

For Liza, this meant growing up surrounded by publicity that she had not chosen.

Despite the fame, Elizabeth made efforts to remain involved in her children’s lives.

A Childhood Between Countries

Liza spent portions of her childhood in England and Switzerland.

She attended school in Switzerland and became familiar with European culture.

Her mother’s professional commitments also brought her into contact with movie productions and international travel.

These experiences influenced her interests in art and animals.

An Early Love of Horses

Horses became particularly important to Liza.

She developed an understanding of their movement, anatomy, and personalities.

Her childhood experiences with horses later became a foundation for her sculpture career.

Rather than choosing subjects only because they were visually attractive, she developed a detailed familiarity with the animals themselves.

Who Were Liza Todd’s Parents?

Liza’s biological parents were Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd.

Both were prominent figures in Hollywood during the 1950s.

Mother: Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was born on February 27, 1932, in London, England.

She became famous as a child actress and later developed into one of the most celebrated performers of her generation.

Her films included National Velvet, A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Cleopatra.

She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress.

Her performances in BUtterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? earned those honors.

Elizabeth was also recognized for her humanitarian work, particularly her efforts to improve awareness and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Father: Mike Todd

Mike Todd was born Avrom Goldbogen on June 22, 1909, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was an American theater and film producer.

His best-known movie was Around the World in 80 Days, released in 1956.

The production won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Todd became famous for his ambitious entertainment projects and larger-than-life personality.

He married Elizabeth Taylor on February 2, 1957.

Their daughter Liza was born approximately six months later.

How Did Mike Todd Die?

Mike Todd died on March 22, 1958, in a plane crash.

He was traveling aboard a private aircraft named The Liz, honoring Elizabeth Taylor.

The plane crashed in New Mexico during difficult weather conditions.

Everyone aboard died.

Liza Was Only Seven Months Old

When her father died, Liza was still an infant.

She was too young to develop personal memories of him.

This meant that she learned about Mike Todd primarily through her mother’s stories, family photographs, and his professional legacy.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Grief

Mike Todd’s death was a devastating event for Elizabeth.

The marriage had lasted just over one year.

She was left caring for her children while continuing a demanding acting career.

Her grief attracted considerable media attention because of her celebrity status.

Mike Todd’s Lasting Legacy

Although Liza never had the opportunity to know her father personally, his influence remained part of her family history.

His contributions to theater and cinema were widely recognized.

The family also preserved stories about his work and personality.

Richard Burton and Liza Todd’s Childhood

Richard Burton became another important father figure in Liza’s life.

The Welsh actor married Elizabeth Taylor in March 1964.

Their marriage became one of Hollywood’s most famous relationships.

Richard Burton Adopted Liza

Richard Burton legally adopted Liza.

She therefore became connected to the Burton family as well as the Todd family.

Some historical records refer to her as Liza Todd Burton.

The adoption gave her a legal father during childhood.

Growing Up With Richard Burton

Liza spent parts of her childhood around Richard’s acting career.

She traveled with the family and experienced life in several countries.

Richard’s relationship with Elizabeth was often the subject of intense publicity.

However, Liza’s private experiences during those years remain less extensively documented.

A Family Surrounded by Art

Richard Burton was a major theatrical performer.

Elizabeth Taylor was an internationally recognized film actress.

Growing up around them exposed Liza to performance, literature, costume design, and visual creativity.

Nevertheless, she developed a stronger professional interest in sculpture.

Liza Todd’s Brothers and Sister

Liza grew up in a family with four children.

Elizabeth Taylor’s children included Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.

Michael Wilding Jr.

Michael Wilding Jr. was born on January 6, 1953.

His father was British actor Michael Wilding, Elizabeth Taylor’s second husband.

Michael Jr. pursued acting and sculpture.

He appeared in television and film projects.

Like Liza, he later developed an interest in visual art.

Christopher Wilding

Christopher Wilding was born on February 27, 1955.

He also is the son of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding.

Christopher worked in photography and film sound.

He eventually moved away from public entertainment activity.

Maria Burton

Maria Burton was born on January 6, 1961.

She was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Maria has generally maintained a private life compared with her famous mother.

Family Relationships

Elizabeth frequently expressed affection for all four children.

She described them as among the most important people in her life.

The siblings grew up with different professional interests, but they remained connected through their mother’s family.

Liza Todd’s Education

Liza developed her artistic abilities through formal education in England and the United States.

Her studies helped turn her childhood interest in animals into professional artistic skills.

Hornsey College of Art

Liza attended Hornsey College of Art in London.

The institution was known for training students in fine art and design.

Her studies provided experience in artistic techniques, visual composition, and the creative process.

Art Studies in Los Angeles

She later studied at an art institute in Los Angeles.

Biographical sources identify the institution as the Otis Institute of Art and Design, while her own professional biography describes it more generally as the Art Institute in Los Angeles.

The education helped her develop practical sculpting techniques.

Beginning Her Professional Career

Liza completed her studies in 1979.

She then began working professionally as a sculptor.

Her early commissions focused on racehorses.

This became the specialty for which she would eventually receive recognition.

Liza Todd’s Career as a Sculptor

Liza Todd has spent decades developing her career in sculpture.

She is particularly recognized for bronze representations of horses and other animals.

Her work reflects a detailed understanding of animal anatomy and movement.

What Is Bronze Sculpture?

Bronze sculpture involves creating three-dimensional artwork using a durable metal alloy.

Artists usually begin by modeling a subject in clay or another workable material.

A mold can then be produced from the original sculpture.

The final artwork is cast in bronze and carefully finished.

This process allows sculptors to create detailed forms that can last for generations.

Why Liza Chose Horses

Liza developed a strong interest in horses during childhood.

She learned about their anatomy, movement, and behavior.

Her experience made it easier to represent horses realistically.

She focused on capturing their physical power and distinctive personalities.

Building a Professional Reputation

After beginning her career in 1979, Liza created sculptures for horse owners, collectors, and galleries.

Her work became recognized within equestrian art.

She received commissions to represent famous racehorses.

These projects helped establish her reputation independently of her Hollywood family.

Liza Todd’s Famous Horse Sculptures

Several of Liza’s best-known artworks depict famous racehorses.

Her professional biography identifies major commissions involving Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew, John Henry, Secretariat, and Nashua.

Secretariat

Secretariat is one of the most famous racehorses in American history.

He won the Triple Crown in 1973.

His achievements include victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.

Liza created a bronze representation of the legendary horse.

Her work captures the physical characteristics that made Secretariat recognizable.

Seattle Slew

Seattle Slew won the Triple Crown in 1977.

He became known for his speed and racing achievements.

Liza’s sculpture of Seattle Slew is part of her recognized equestrian portfolio.

Creating a portrait of a famous horse requires careful attention to its proportions and distinctive appearance.

Northern Dancer

Northern Dancer was a Canadian Thoroughbred who became famous for winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

He later became an influential breeding stallion.

Liza created a sculpture commemorating the horse.

John Henry

John Henry was a celebrated American racehorse known for his long racing career.

He won numerous important races and became a favorite among racing enthusiasts.

Liza included him among her major sculptural subjects.

Nashua

Nashua was a successful American Thoroughbred during the 1950s.

Liza produced a half-life-size memorial sculpture of Nashua for Spendthrift Farm.

The project became an important example of her commissioned work.

Why Liza Todd’s Horse Sculptures Are Special

Equestrian sculpture combines art with a detailed knowledge of horses.

A successful sculpture must capture more than the general shape of an animal.

It should reflect balance, anatomy, posture, and movement.

Understanding Horse Anatomy

Horses have complex muscular structures.

Their legs, necks, shoulders, and backs change position during movement.

Liza’s familiarity with horses helped her create convincing representations.

Her professional biography compares her understanding of horse anatomy with that of respected animal artists.

Capturing Movement

A horse sculpture may depict standing, walking, running, or jumping.

Each pose requires an understanding of balance.

Liza’s work often emphasizes the power and elegance of the animal.

Recognition in Art History

Racing historian John Farley included Liza’s work in Great Racehorses in Art.

The inclusion placed her among a small number of modern sculptors recognized in the book.

This achievement shows that her professional reputation extends beyond her family background.

Liza Todd’s Famous Calf Sculpture in Switzerland

One of Liza’s most unusual commissions involved a calf rather than a horse.

In 1999, the Swiss village of Gstaad commissioned her to create a life-size bronze calf.

The Sculpture Called Rosie

The sculpture became known as Rosie.

It was installed in the village square.

Gstaad is a mountain resort destination recognized for its Alpine scenery and traditional Swiss culture.

The calf sculpture became a popular local attraction.

Why the Calf Was Meaningful

Cows are strongly associated with Swiss agricultural traditions.

They are familiar sights in Alpine meadows.

Creating a calf sculpture provided an opportunity to celebrate this cultural connection.

Liza’s work transformed an everyday farm animal into a piece of public art.

Liza Todd’s 9/11 Rescue Dog Sculpture

After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Liza created a life-size sculpture honoring a rescue dog.

The artwork depicts a dog descending onto a base containing rubble from the World Trade Center.

Honoring Rescue Animals

Dogs played important roles in search-and-rescue operations following the attacks.

They worked alongside emergency personnel in extremely difficult conditions.

Liza’s sculpture honored the contributions of these animals.

A Meaningful Memorial

The sculpture combined bronze artwork with actual material from the disaster site.

This gave the piece a direct historical connection to the event.

The first of two sculptures entered a private collection in New York.

The second was donated to Farmingdale State College on Long Island.

Art Beyond Decoration

This project demonstrated Liza’s interest in creating artwork with emotional meaning.

The sculpture was not simply a portrait of an animal.

It was also a tribute to rescue work, courage, and remembrance.

Liza Todd and Wildlife Conservation

Liza expanded her artistic focus to include wildlife conservation.

Since 2016, her work has particularly supported African elephants.

She developed connections with HERD, an elephant orphanage in South Africa.

What Is HERD?

HERD is an organization involved in rescuing and caring for orphaned elephants.

Its work includes rehabilitation and the long-term welfare of elephants.

The organization also provides education about wildlife conservation.

Supporting Orphaned Elephants

Liza has created elephant-related artwork to benefit conservation.

Her sculptures help bring attention to animals affected by human activity and environmental challenges.

Her involvement combines creative work with concern for animal welfare.

Why Elephants Matter

Elephants are among the world’s largest land mammals.

They play important roles in natural ecosystems.

Their activities can shape vegetation, create pathways, and influence the distribution of other species.

Protecting elephants also helps preserve biodiversity.

Liza’s conservation work demonstrates how artists can use their abilities to support causes beyond traditional galleries.

Liza Todd’s Art Exhibitions

Liza’s sculptures have appeared in galleries and collections in Europe and the United States.

Her works are also displayed at horse farms and private properties.

William Secord Gallery

Her professional biography identifies the William Secord Gallery in New York City as a representative of her artwork.

The gallery specializes in paintings and sculpture involving animals.

This focus aligns with Liza’s artistic interests.

Private Collections

Collectors have purchased her bronze sculptures for private collections.

Some pieces commemorate individual horses.

Others celebrate animal behavior and movement more generally.

Auctions of Her Work

In 2021, three of Liza’s equestrian bronzes were offered for auction in the United Kingdom.

The works came from a collection associated with Thoroughbred racing.

The auction demonstrated continuing interest in her sculptures.

Was Liza Todd an Actress?

Although Liza grew up surrounded by film production, she did not establish a major acting career.

She has been associated with brief appearances in productions connected to her family.

Anne of the Thousand Days

IMDb lists Liza in an uncredited role in the 1969 historical film Anne of the Thousand Days.

The film starred Richard Burton and Geneviève Bujold.

However, this appearance did not lead to a substantial acting career.

Choosing Art Instead of Hollywood

Liza’s strongest interests developed in sculpture.

She pursued formal art education and began creating professional works in 1979.

Her decision allowed her to build an independent identity.

Rather than appearing regularly in films, she focused on making physical artwork that collectors and institutions could preserve.

Liza Todd’s Marriage to Hap Tivey

Liza Todd married Hap Tivey in 1984.

Hap is an artist whose work has included sculpture and other creative projects.

The couple shared an interest in visual art.

Their Life Together

Liza and Hap established a family while continuing their creative work.

They had two sons together.

Their marriage lasted nearly two decades.

Their Divorce

Liza and Hap divorced in 2003.

The reasons for their separation have not been widely documented through reliable public interviews.

It would therefore be inappropriate to speculate about their private circumstances.

Did Liza Remarry?

There is no widely verified public announcement confirming a later marriage.

Her current relationship status remains private.

Liza Todd’s Children

Liza and Hap Tivey have two sons, Quinn Tivey and Rhys Tivey.

Both have developed careers connected to art, creativity, and community activities.

They have also participated in work supporting their grandmother’s humanitarian legacy.

Quinn Tivey

Quinn Tivey was born in 1986.

He developed an interest in film and visual arts.

He pursued advanced education, including a Master of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts and an MBA from Yale University.

Quinn later became involved in managing Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy.

Since 2016, he has served as a co-trustee of her estate.

He is also an officer of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

His responsibilities include helping preserve his grandmother’s legacy and supporting the foundation’s charitable work.

Rhys Tivey

Rhys Tivey developed a career in music.

He is a trumpeter, vocalist, and songwriter.

He studied jazz performance at New York University.

Rhys has performed at music venues and participated in educational activities.

He has also worked with organizations providing music education to young people.

Like his brother, Rhys supports the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

A Family Continuing Elizabeth Taylor’s Legacy

Elizabeth Taylor became an influential advocate for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Her grandchildren have helped continue that work.

Quinn and Rhys have participated in events, discussions, and projects connected to the foundation.

Their involvement demonstrates how the family’s interest in humanitarian work has continued across generations.

Liza Todd’s Relationship With Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was internationally famous, but her children knew her primarily as their mother.

Despite her demanding career, she tried to maintain close family relationships.

Liza was particularly connected to her mother’s love of animals.

A Shared Love of Horses

Elizabeth Taylor became associated with horses through her early film career.

One of her most famous childhood performances was in National Velvet.

The movie tells the story of a girl who dreams of riding a horse in a major race.

Horses also became an important part of Liza’s life.

However, Liza developed her own expertise through years of observing and working with them.

Life Outside Hollywood

As an adult, Liza moved away from the celebrity lifestyle.

She established her home in upstate New York, where she spent time around animals and worked on sculptures.

Her preference for privacy contrasted with her mother’s highly public career.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Death

Elizabeth Taylor died on March 23, 2011, in Los Angeles.

She was 79 years old.

Her death brought renewed attention to her children and grandchildren.

Liza was among the family members who experienced the loss of a mother whose career had shaped Hollywood history.

Why Liza Todd Chose a Private Life

Liza grew up surrounded by photographers and entertainment journalists.

Her mother’s relationships and acting career received worldwide attention.

As an adult, she preferred a lifestyle focused on animals, art, and family.

Living in Upstate New York

Reports have connected Liza with the Hudson Valley region of New York.

The area includes farms, forests, and rural communities.

It provides a setting suitable for someone interested in horses and outdoor life.

However, her exact current residence is private.

Avoiding Celebrity Publicity

Liza has rarely participated in mainstream entertainment interviews.

Most coverage of her adult life concerns her sculptures or family history.

She has not developed the kind of celebrity public profile associated with her mother.

Building an Independent Identity

Liza’s professional accomplishments demonstrate that she created a career based on personal interests.

Her work has attracted collectors and earned recognition in equestrian art.

She is therefore more than simply the daughter of Elizabeth Taylor.

Liza Todd’s Net Worth in 2026

Liza Todd’s personal net worth has not been independently verified.

Some websites publish estimates based on her mother’s wealth.

However, those figures do not establish Liza’s individual financial position.

Income From Sculpture

Liza has earned income through commissioned artwork, galleries, and sales of bronze sculptures.

Some of her works have been offered at art auctions.

However, the exact income generated by her career is not publicly documented.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Estate

Elizabeth Taylor owned valuable jewelry, properties, and other assets.

Her estate became the subject of significant public interest following her death.

However, the precise value of Liza’s inheritance has not been established through dependable public financial records.

Her Independent Career

Liza’s sculpting career began decades before her mother’s death.

She developed a professional reputation through her own artistic achievements.

This distinction is important when discussing her financial and professional background.

Where Is Liza Todd Now in 2026?

As of October 2026, Liza Todd is 69 years old.

She remains known as a professional sculptor specializing in horses, dogs, and wildlife.

Her professional biography identifies ongoing interests in animal welfare and conservation.

She has also maintained a longstanding connection to upstate New York.

However, her exact current daily activities and personal arrangements are not extensively documented.

Is Liza Todd Still Working as an Artist?

Her official professional biography continues to present her work and artistic achievements.

However, a specific new sculpture completed in October 2026 has not been independently confirmed.

Is Liza Todd Married?

Liza divorced Hap Tivey in 2003.

There is no widely verified announcement confirming another marriage.

Does Liza Todd Use Social Media?

She does not maintain the kind of highly visible public social media presence associated with entertainment personalities.

Her artwork is better documented through galleries and professional art resources.

Interesting Facts About Liza Todd

1. She was born in 1957. Liza turned 69 in August 2026.

2. Her mother was Elizabeth Taylor. The actress won two Academy Awards for Best Actress.

3. Her father was Mike Todd. He produced the Oscar-winning movie Around the World in 80 Days.

4. She lost her father as an infant. Mike Todd died in a plane crash in March 1958.

5. Richard Burton adopted her. The actor became an important father figure.

6. She studied art in London and Los Angeles. Her professional sculpting career began in 1979.

7. She specializes in bronze animal sculptures. Horses are among her best-known subjects.

8. She sculpted famous racehorses. Her commissions included Secretariat and Seattle Slew.

9. She created a 9/11 rescue dog memorial. One version was donated to Farmingdale State College.

10. She supports wildlife conservation. Her artwork has been connected to elephant protection in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liza Todd

1. Who is Liza Todd?

Liza Todd is an American sculptor best known as the daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd.

2. What is Liza Todd’s real name?

Her full birth name is Elizabeth Frances Todd.

3. How old is Liza Todd in 2026?

She is 69 years old.

4. When was Liza Todd born?

She was born on August 6, 1957.

5. Where was Liza Todd born?

She was born in New York City, United States.

6. Who is Liza Todd’s mother?

Her mother was actress Elizabeth Taylor.

7. Who was Liza Todd’s father?

Her biological father was film producer Mike Todd.

8. How did Mike Todd die?

He died in a plane crash on March 22, 1958.

9. How old was Liza when her father died?

She was approximately seven months old.

10. Did Richard Burton adopt Liza Todd?

Yes. Richard Burton legally adopted her.

11. Does Liza Todd have siblings?

Yes. Her siblings include Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, and Maria Burton.

12. What does Liza Todd do for a living?

She is a professional sculptor known for bronze animal sculptures.

13. Where did Liza Todd study art?

She studied at Hornsey College of Art in London and an art institute in Los Angeles.

14. When did Liza Todd begin her art career?

She began working professionally as a sculptor in 1979.

15. What kind of sculptures does she create?

She specializes in horses and other animals, including dogs, calves, and elephants.

16. Did Liza Todd sculpt Secretariat?

Yes. Secretariat is among the famous racehorses associated with her commissioned sculptures.

17. Did Liza Todd create a 9/11 memorial?

Yes. She created a bronze rescue dog sculpture incorporating rubble from the World Trade Center.

18. Was Liza Todd married?

Yes. She was married to artist Hap Tivey from 1984 until their divorce in 2003.

19. Does Liza Todd have children?

Yes. She has two sons, Quinn and Rhys Tivey.

20. Who is Quinn Tivey?

Quinn is Liza’s son and a co-trustee of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate.

21. Who is Rhys Tivey?

Rhys is Liza’s son, a musician, and an ambassador associated with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

22. Was Liza Todd an actress?

She has a minor film credit but is primarily known for her work in sculpture.

23. Where does Liza Todd live?

She has been associated with upstate New York, although her exact current residence is private.

24. What is Liza Todd’s net worth?

Her personal net worth has not been independently verified.

25. Is Liza Todd still alive in 2026?

Available public information continues to identify her as living. Her exact personal activities are not frequently reported.

Final Thoughts

Liza Todd grew up in one of Hollywood’s most famous families, but her adult life followed a different direction.

Born in 1957, she was the daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and film producer Mike Todd.

Her father died when she was an infant, and Richard Burton later became her adoptive father.

Although she grew up surrounded by film productions, famous performers, and international publicity, Liza developed a strong interest in art and animals.

She studied sculpture and began a professional career in 1979.

Over the following decades, she created bronze portraits of famous racehorses, animal memorials, and wildlife-related artworks.

Her achievements established her reputation within equestrian art.

She also raised two sons, Quinn and Rhys, who have helped continue Elizabeth Taylor’s humanitarian legacy.

In 2026, Liza Todd is 69 years old and remains recognized as a sculptor, animal lover, and member of an important entertainment family.

Her life demonstrates that growing up around fame does not require someone to pursue the same public career as their parents.

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